Jim Goulart

Apologies for the big delay in Thursday's Link Report details, but please make sure you visit it today, lots added during the overnight.

Box: DSL Brewers 5, DSL Tigers #1 Squad 0 It is true that RHP Juan Gomez turned 22 in May, but he missed all of 2018 and seven shutout innings (only one walk) is worth crowing about. Ridiculously effective 18-year-old rookie Fernando Olguin finished up nicely. *** HR: Eduarqui Fernandez (9, 9th inning off Reyes, M, 2 on, 1 out). Toby has more on that here.

Box: DSL Pirates #1 Squad 6, DSL Brewers/Indians 5 Loss ten in a row in excruciating fashion, blowing a 5-1 lead in the bottom of the 8th. The two youngsters who have really struggled all summer, Ronnald Rojas and Starling Javier, did not come through. The Pirates did not even need a hit in the five-run rally. Really. DSL Pirates1 Bottom of the 8th Luis Tejeda walks. Wild pitch by pitcher Ronnald Rojas. Luis Tejeda to 2nd. Offensive Substitution: Pinch-hitter Eliazer Montero replaces Juan Jerez. Eliazer Montero walks. Jhan Polanco walks. Luis Tejeda to 3rd. Eliazer Montero to 2nd. Pitching Change: Starling Javier replaces Ronnald Rojas. Luis Tello out on a sacrifice fly to center fielder Isaac Curbata. Luis Tejeda scores. Eliazer Montero scores. Wild pitch by pitcher Starling Javier. Jhan Polanco to 2nd. Rafael Escalante walks. Wild pitch by pitcher Starling Javier. Jhan Polanco to 3rd. Rafael Escalante to 2nd. Wild pitch by pitcher Starling Javier. Jhan Polanco scores. Rafael Escalante to 3rd. Passed ball by catcher Lahiorne Diaz. Rafael Escalante scores. Francisco Quintero flies out to left fielder Jeicor Cristian. Omar Matos walks. Omar Matos steals (7) 2nd base. Omar Matos steals (8) 3rd base. Omar Matos scores. Throwing error by catcher Lahiorne Diaz. Jose Berroa walks. Jose Berroa steals (8) 2nd base. Osvaldo Gavilan strikes out swinging. *** 17-year-old third baseman Angel Bautista had a nice game with three hits, he's 9-for-18 with two walks in his current five-game hit streak.

Toby will assist me in a bit with Maryvale coverage: Blue wins - Prominent stateside debut, and a Shelby Miller desert sighting Gold does not - Ethan Small's final Maryvale appearance (tweet)

Box: Grand Junction 11, Rocky Mountain 3 Alternative box includes inning-by-inning linescore It was 10-0 after five innings. Rough start for LHP Brock Begue, but a lot of players look back at their rookie outings in the Mountain Time Zone and realize they were all about learning and not numbers. *** Pioneer League debut (one HBP, welcome) for SS Cam Devanney, the 15th round college pick (Elon) who tore it up in Maryvale. *** Begue's evening was even more eventful than thought: Grand Junction Bottom of the 3rd Eddy Diaz singles on a line drive to left fielder Edwin Sano. Julio Carreras out on a sacrifice bunt, pitcher Brock Begue to first baseman Ernesto Martinez. Eddy Diaz to 2nd. Eddy Diaz steals (16) 3rd base. Christian Koss doubles (6) on a line drive to left fielder Edwin Sano. Eddy Diaz scores. Mound Visit. Colin Simpson singles on a line drive to center fielder Carlos Rodriguez. Christian Koss scores. Colin Simpson to 2nd. Colin Simpson advances to 2nd, on a throwing error by center fielder Carlos Rodriguez. Vibes first baseman Ernesto Martinez left the game due to an injured back. Injury Delay. Defensive Substitution: Jose Sibrian replaces first baseman Ernesto Martinez, batting 3rd, playing catcher. Defensive switch from catcher to first base for Luis Avalo. Brenton Doyle doubles (3) on a fly ball to right fielder Micah Bello. Colin Simpson to 3rd. Mound Visit. Todd Isaacs doubles (6) on a line drive to center fielder Carlos Rodriguez. Colin Simpson scores. Brenton Doyle scores. Pitching Change: Karsen Lindell replaces Brock Begue. Yolki Pena strikes out swinging. Reese Berberet walks. Cristopher Navarro walks. Todd Isaacs to 3rd. Reese Berberet to 2nd. Mound Visit. Eddy Diaz called out on strikes. Oh my, how does first baseman Martinez get injured on a throw in from the outfield? These tweets from the Grand Junction beat reporter tells us: Via Patti Arnold -- TWEET: "A collision going after a throw in from the outfield has @VibesBaseball 1B Ernesto Martinez out cold. He just raised one leg and got a cheer from crowd, but he hadn't moved. Scary. Docs are tending to him." TWEET: "Ernesto Martinez will be taken to a hospital to be checked out. Was conscious as he was wheeled to ambulance, but wincing. Collided with pitcher Brock Begue." *** UPDATE: If you are an MiLB.TV subscriber, watch at the 02:16:25 hour/minute mark here. While you don't see the actual collision, you see the after-effects. Turns out the collision was actually with second baseman Nick Egnatuk, who is OK. Martinez was treated for a full 15 minutes on the field before being wheeled off on a stretcher. Scary for sure.

Box: Rocky Mountain 7, Grand Junction 5 Alternative box includes inning-by-inning linescore *** We'll roll with that automated Associated Press bot summary for this road game: Jess Williams hit a two-run triple in the fifth inning (AUDIO link), and Ernesto Martinez went 1 for 2 as the Rocky Mountain Vibes beat the Grand Junction Rockies 7-5 on Thursday. The triple by Williams capped a three-run inning and gave the Vibes a 6-3 lead after Bryan Torres hit an RBI single earlier in the inning. The Vibes tacked on another run in the seventh when Micah Bello scored on a sacrifice. Grand Junction saw its comeback attempt come up short after Colin Simpson hit an RBI single, bringing home Cristopher Navarro in the ninth inning to cut the Rocky Mountain lead to 7-5. Joel Pinto (3-0) got the win in relief while Blair Calvo (0-3) took the loss in the Pioneer League game. Christian Koss homered and doubled, driving home two runs for the Rockies. *** VIDEO Tweet: Micah Bello excited to be back in action after concussion protocol, and he's taking a lesson from Mauricio Dubon and piecing together his highlight moments. *** This would be SS Antonio Pinero's final 2019 game for Rocky Mountain, and the Voice of the Vibes gives him a statistical sendoff tweet. *** CF Carlos Rodriguez 1-for-5 in the leadoff spot in his Pioneer League debut. He was a $1,355,000 signing from the 2017 July 2nd international class. Toby with a first video-impression analysis tweet

The two Maryvale squads were idle Thursday.

Wisconsin Pre-Game Media Notes *** Box: Wisconsin 10, Cedar Rapids 5 What a difference a day makes. If you look away from the otherwise-very-good reliever Victor Castaneda's 9th inning get-some-work-effort, pretty much a perfect box score for the T-Rats (and true, nobody really calls them that regularly). Rattlers Power Past Cedar Rapids Wisconsin crushes five homers in 10-5 win over Kernels By Chris Mehring / Wisconsin Timber Rattlers

Frosty Microbrew: Rattlers Pitchers Defy Second Half Trends Kyle Lobner, Wisconsin Timber Rattlers Quotes galore... *** Chad Whitmer providing relief in Midwest League Bob Oppenheim, Elkhart (IN) Truth Whitmer discusses his trade to the Brewers (Milwaukee gave up a minimum of $250,000 in international bonus money to acquire him from the Yankees), as well as multiple other topics. Good stuff.

Broadcasters’ View: Who Have Been the Top Players in the Midwest League? Mentions of Brice Turang and David Fry within... *** Frosty Microbrew: Rattlers Pitchers Defy Second Half Trends Kyle Lobner, Wisconsin Timber Rattlers Quotes galore... *** Chad Whitmer providing relief in Midwest League Bob Oppenheim, Elkhart (IN) Truth Whitmer discusses his trade to the Brewers (Milwaukee gave up a minimum of $250,000 in international bonus money to acquire him from the Yankees), as well as multiple other topics. Good stuff.

Wisconsin Pre-Game Media Notes *** Box: Cedar Rapids 6, Wisconsin 1 Not a fun one, ten K's and no walks on offense, and in a hole from the start. Cedar Rapids Takes Early Lead and Never Looks Back in Win over Wisconsin Kernels scored four runs in first on the way to a 6-1 win By Chris Mehring / Wisconsin Timber Rattlers

Its odd how the Brewers have managed the two Arizona rosters. It seems they are favoring the Gold roster. They have consistently kept the gold roster at around 36 players and the Blue roster around 30. The transfer of Yi is a good example. Why would they do this, when Colina is also placed on the DL, leaving them now down two pitchers? I'm sure there is enough players to go around still, but it just seems curious. I just love the fact that our readers are even into such minutia (saying that in a good way, not a condescending one).

Carolina Pre-Game Media Notes *** Box: Fayetteville 3, Carolina 0 Carolina Blanked Again in 3-0 Loss in Fayetteville The Mudcats were shut out for the third time in their last four games on Friday *** VIDEO Mound Tweets via the Mudcats: Christian Taugner Phil Bickford *** The Mudcats fall at the top of the lower third in most Carolina League offensive categories (sortable columns here). The strikeout numbers are pretty obnoxious, and have been an issue all year (and last year, and the year prior...). One does get the sense that the first half Mudcat team success in the W-L column, which unfortunately did not get them a first half title, was a bit of a false reading.

Carolina Pre-Game Media Notes *** Box, Game One: Down East 3, Carolina 2, eight innings (scheduled for seven) Box, Game Two: Down East 1, Carolina 0 Mudcats Swept in Thursday Twin-Bill in Kinston The Mudcats totaled just two runs over all three games in the series *** VIDEO Tweet: "Look what Noah Zavolas found" VIDEO Tweet: Payton Henry drives in the only two Mudcat runs of the twinbill VIDEO Tweet: Don't run on Payton, you should know by now *** VIDEO via WITN: Game one road contest action, featuring both clubs VIDEO via WNCT: Looky-here, the two stations combine to provide us action as they covered Game Two *** VIDEO Report: Baseball safety at top of mind for fans and North Carolina area teams The Mudcats' portion: The Mudcats said they were one of the first teams to upgrade their stadium in Zebulon to more modern safety standards back in 1998. Their netting goes up 45 feet at its highest point behind home plate and that height extends to over the dugout. In addition, the length of the netting running along the first- and third-base lines to the ends of both dugouts is about 115 feet.

Box: Biloxi 3, Jacksonville 1 Three-Run Inning Earns Shuckers Rubber-Match Win Over Shrimp File Throws Up Zeros Before Offense Strikes in Seventh By Andrew Chapman / Biloxi Shuckers *** Stone-cold robbery by Marlins prospect Jumbo Shrimp's Garrett makes highlight-reel catch, robs homer By Duane Cross / MiLB.com Clearly, Max McDowell's Twitter timeline will tell you that while he's coping with it, it should be a home run for Max. *** This Biloxi squad, now without Trey Supak and Devin Williams, carries only Corey Ray and Drew Rasmussen among the newly-revised MiLB.com Brewers Top 30 Prospects. But they keep winning, and you know that there are some very motivated players to show that the team is not as anonymous as one might think.

Game One: Biloxi 6, Jacksonville 1 Game Two: Jacksonville 3, Biloxi 1 Shuckers and Jumbo Shrimp Split Thursday Doubleheader Biloxi Drops Night Cap After Strong Showing in Opener By Andrew Chapman / Biloxi Shuckers "Sparking another three-run frame, Weston Wilson hit a solo home run to leadoff the seventh inning and make it 4-1. The homer was the 14th of the season and his tenth against the Jumbo Shrimp." Clearly the Marlins can't get a proper scouting report on Wilson. Game two Jacksonville starter Kolton Mahoney was drafted by the Brewers in the 23rd round in 2014 out of BYU but didn't sign, despite my best efforts at Cape Cod League games to make that happen. He was drafted in the 16th round in 2015 by the Yankees, released in May 2017 by New York, and was quickly scooped up by Miami. Now 27, but having a nice season.

Chico State baseball’s all-time saves leader Luke Barker grinds his way to AAA Chico State's all-time saves leader has earned his master's degree, an all-star appearance and now a promotion to AAA By Justin Couchot, Chico Enterprise-Record Excellent and informative read about the 27-year-old, a sweet indy ball find by the Crew.

San Antonio Pre-Game Media Notes *** Box: San Antonio 10, Omaha 3 Truly a glorious offensive stat line box score save for Jacob Nottingham, who contributed by catching the full game for the win. Missions Storm Past Omaha Perez and Spangenberg: 8 Hits, 6 RBI Starting pitcher Aaron Wilkerson allowed one run but was lifted after four innings and 75 pitches. That seems like a let's limit him "in case" move for the big league club. *** RHP Devin Williams' AAA debut: Omaha Bottom of the 8th Pitching Change: Devin Williams replaces Donnie Hart. Elier Hernandez strikes out swinging. Chase d'Arnaud singles on a ground ball to center fielder Trent Grisham. Nate Esposito grounds into a double play, first baseman Jake Hager to shortstop Mauricio Dubon to pitcher Devin Williams. Chase d'Arnaud out at 2nd. Nate Esposito out at 1st. *** Chico State baseball’s all-time saves leader Luke Barker grinds his way to AAA Chico State's all-time saves leader has earned his master's degree, an all-star appearance and now a promotion to AAA By Justin Couchot, Chico Enterprise-Record Excellent and informative read about the 27-year-old, a sweet indy ball find by the Crew.

San Antonio Pre-Game Media Notes *** Box: San Antonio 9, Iowa 1 Derby Deals, Homers Fly as Chanclas Take Series *** Turning the tide against a rival Chanclas hit four homers to stop the Demonios de Des Moines, 9-1 By Jerry Briggs / San Antonio Missions Pepto Bismol isn't mentioned very often on this forum, perhaps it should be, fantastic line for Bubba. *** Via 210Gameday.com: Mauricio Dubon Photo Gallery *** Tweet via Brewers' Player Development: Highlighting Dubon's two HR's to end the homestand

To remind folks about the Contreras signing this spring from the independent United Shore League -- “In the offseason, (Eastside Manager) Paul Noce told us he found a pitcher that would be a perfect fit for the USPBL and Luis Contreras was exactly that,” said Director of Baseball Operations Justin Orenduff. “He arrived at the USPBL with a tremendous work ethic, passion for learning, and embodied what it means to be a pitcher. Contreras throws three pitches for strikes and can elevate his fastball with high spin which made him the league leader in strikeouts. We look forward to his success in the Brewers organization.” Contreras, a native of Pembroke Pines, Fla., struck out a league-best 39 batters in 23.0 innings pitched. He finished with a record of 2-2 and earned one save. Contreras combined for a one-hit shutout on May 25th against the Utica Unicorns. “The league, staff, crowd and fans makes the USPBL a great experience for a bunch of players that want to keep fighting for their dreams,” said Contreras. “I want to thank the entire USPBL staff and Sandy (Wilton) for placing me in the host family program and giving me the opportunity to meet my new family, the DiLoddo’s.” *** Although a native of Florida as listed above, MiLB.com's Player Page lists the 23-year-old as having been born in Venezuela. Not only that, but the player page lists Contreras as being assigned to the now-defunct Venezuelan Summer League as a Cubs farmhand in May 2015. Contreras would have just turned 19 years old at that time, which makes the note plausible, though it appears he never pitched there. Now that he's with the Timber Rattlers, we'll ask Chris and Kyle to check in as to what happened during that four-year stretch. It's possible that's just an erroneous footnote by MiLB.

Also hitting the 60-day DL is recently-turned 18-year-old corner OF and 2nd year pro Jhonny David. Last week his team assignment was moved from the DSL to Maryvale, but apparently that was due to rehab of some sort. David posted a nice but small sample (12 game, 35 AB sample) .797 OPS as a 16/17-year-old in his rookie season last summer on his native island, but has yet to suit up in 2019.

18-year-old Venezuelan 2nd-year-pro (first-year stateside) RHP Leoner Colina has been placed on the Maryvale Blue 60-day DL. He last pitched on July 1st and only pitched in two outings this summer. He really limited the earned runs and was trusted with a starting rotation spot (13 starts) in his rookie DSL campaign in 2018 as a 17-year-old.

18-year-old RHP Jian Yi transferred from AZL Brewers Blue to AZL Brewers Gold. *** San Antonio RHP Aaron Wilkerson activated from the Temp Inactive List.

http://www.brewerfan.net/images/store/dailylinkreport.jpg Organizational Scoreboard including starting pitcher info, game times, MiLB TV links, and box scores Dominican Summer League Scoreboard (includes DSL Brewers/Indians game) *** Links for affiliate audio *** Standings and sortable stat pages *** MiLB.TV options: Road feeds for all five MiLB.TV options.

One more day where we will not be updating until mid-day-to-late-afternoon. Hopefully back to a more regular schedule starting Saturday and going forward as "real life" interferes less. Of course, the initial post here brings you to all the raw box score data. We'll fill in with the other peripherals, including any video and features we find, later on. Thanks.